Following a string of high profile mine accidents that left dozens dead in recent years, coal operators say the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration has become extremely heavy-handed in an attempt to counteract accusations of lax oversight.

Iron ore and coal miner Cleveland-Cliffs said on Wednesday that it would acquire Alpha Natural Resources for $10 billion in cash and stock, expanding its coal assets and positioning itself to capitalize on the boom in the global steel industry.

Most business news this week took a back seat to oil's relentless climb, but there were still some notable moments. And CNBC guests had plenty of stocks to recommend for worried investors.